If on the evidence there is a realistic prospect of conviction,
the SFO will prosecute if it is in the public interest to do so.
The fact that a corporate body has reported itself will be a
relevant consideration to the extent set out in the Guidance on
Corporate Prosecutions. That Guidance explains that, for a
self-report to be taken into consideration as a public interest
factor tending against prosecution, it must form part of a
"genuinely proactive approach adopted by the corporate management
team when the offending is brought to their notice". Self-reporting
is no guarantee that a prosecution will not follow. Each case will
turn on its own facts.

In appropriate cases the SFO may use its powers under proceeds
of crime legislation as an alternative (or in addition) to
prosecution; see the
Attorney General's guidance to prosecuting bodies on their
asset recovery powers under the Proceeds
of Crime Act 2002. If the SFO uses its powers under proceeds of
crime legislation, it will publish its reasons, the details of the
illegal conduct and the details of the disposal.

In cases where the SFO does not prosecute a self-reporting
corporate body, the SFO reserves the right (i) to prosecute it for
any unreported violations of the law; and (ii) lawfully to provide
information on the reported violation to other bodies (such as
foreign police forces).

This statement of policy has immediate effect. It supersedes any
statement of policy or practice on self-reporting previously made
by or on behalf of the SFO.